Twitter: 5 Ways to Get Going and Get Noticed

This post is written by Emma Shannon, a member of Vistaprint’s Social Media team.

You’ve done your research. You’ve picked a username. You’ve figured out your place in the crowd, and you’re ready for takeoff…but what do you say? We’d like to show you what to write about, and how to maintain a genuine connection through Twitter.

1. Get going.
Start by putting yourself in your customer’s shoes. What would you want to hear about from your favorite businesses?  If you spend all of your tweets just pushing your products, your audience won’t feel very involved. Establishing followers starts with creating content your customers care about, so, make your Twitter stream worth following. Hint: Make a list of what you think sets your business apart…that’s the type of content you should be covering.

2. Promote special events.
Obviously, your customers will be excited about deals, promotions and special events going on; let’s be honest, everyone loves a bargain! In fact, mediabistro.com shows that 43% of people will become a follower for special offers and deals alone, and a whopping 97% say their online experience impacts whether they bought a product or service. Hint: Advertise any events coming up long before they happen. This gives your followers better notice and will increase the chance they remember, and attend!

3. Create a connection.
Most businesses have the advice about promotion figured out. But, what really can place your business above the rest is establishing and maintaining a genuine connection with your customers through Twitter. Twitter gives you a unique ability to respond in real time to customers’ questions or comments, and nip any disconnect or dissatisfaction in the bud. This added level of customer interaction will allow you to increase loyalty and make you customers feel as valued as they are. Don’t keep it a secret; remember, you need your customers! Hint: Set reminders to check your Twitter every hour or two. That way, you won’t let any customer issues fall through the cracks.

4. Give updates.
When you’re not responding to comments or informing your followers of promos, let them know what you’re doing. Do you have a new frosting flavor that you’re testing out? Or a picture of your new oven? Tell them! Hint: If you’re still unsure what to write about, check this out.

5. Get noticed.
You’re chirping up a storm, but how do you get followers? First, consider creating a networking card to give out to your customers with your contact information, including your new Twitter account. (Attach your username in the “@TooGoodCupcakes” format). You should also create a mailing list by collecting customer information including email, phone, and even Twitter usernames. Once you have this information, you can get followers by requesting to follow your customers; once they learn of your presence in the Twitter world, they will surely opt into following you back. Hint: Make sure your info mentions that you will be offering deals via Twitter!

How do you gain followers and maintain conversation with them? Tell us in the comments section!